OGDENSBURG – Nancy Thompson, RN, OCN, of Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center's Richard E. Winter Cancer Center has been appointed as an official trainer for the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Cancer Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Course, a comprehensive review for nurses who administer chemotherapy.

The ONS Cancer Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Course is an in-depth program that provides registered nurses with the information they need to safely administer chemotherapy.

The ONS Cancer Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Course is taught throughout the United States, as well as internationally, by approximately 1000 trainers.

More than 80,000 nurses have attended this course since 1998.

To become an ONS Cancer Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Course Trainer, registered nurses must be currently certified in oncology, have a minimum of two years experience in administering chemotherapy, and complete a trainer course.

These highly qualified trainers assist the ONS in setting standards of excellence in cancer care.

Trainers are required to present at least one ONS Cancer Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Course per year, maintain a specified average on course evaluations, and comply with other course standards.

To ensure the integrity of the program, trainers and course are periodically audited by ONS.

ONS is a professional organization of more than 37,000 registered nurses and other healthcare professionals committed to excellence in oncology nursing and to leading the transformation of cancer care by initiating and actively supporting educational, legislative, and public awareness efforts to promote the care of people with cancer.

ONS provides nurses and healthcare professionals with access to the highest quality educational programs, cancer resources, research opportunities, and networks for peer support.